Whose Battle?
The battle is the Lord's, and we should trust in His power and strength to achieve victory.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the battle belongs to the Lord, assuring believers of victory through divine power rather than human strength. He points out that even the people of Israel often forget this truth, relying too much on their own resources like swords and spears. Spurgeon encourages believers to trust in God, using whatever they have, just as David did with his sling and stones, to confront their challenges. He reminds us that when we stand for truth and righteousness in the strength of Jesus, no one can oppose us. The sermon calls for a confident faith in God's ability to achieve His purposes without human intervention.
Text
And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saith not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands. (1 Samuel 17:47)
Let this point be settled, that the battle is the Lord's, and we may be quite sure of the victory, and of the victory in such a way as will best of all display the power of God. The Lord is too much forgotten by all men, yea, even by the assemblies of Israel; and when there is an opportunity to make men see that the great First Cause can achieve His purposes without the power of man, it is a priceless occasion which should be well employed. Even Israel looks too much to sword and spear.
It is a grand thing to have no sword in the hand of David, and yet for David to know that his God will overthrow a whole army of aliens.
If we are indeed contending for truth and righteousness, let us not tarry till we have talent, or wealth, or any other form of visible power at our disposal; but with such stones as we find in the brook, and with our own usual sling, let us run to meet the enemy. If it were our own battle we might not be confident; but if we are standing up for Jesus and warring in His strength alone, who can withstand us? Without a trace of hesitancy let us face the Philistines; for the Lord of hosts is with us, and who can be against us?
Sermon Outline
- The Battle is the Lord's
- Israel's reliance on human power
- Contending for truth and righteousness
- Confidence in God's presence
- The Lord of hosts is with us
- Who can be against us?
Key Quotes
“The battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“If it were our own battle we might not be confident; but if we are standing up for Jesus and warring in His strength alone, who can withstand us?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Without a trace of hesitancy let us face the Philistines; for the Lord of hosts is with us, and who can be against us?” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should trust in God's power and strength, rather than relying on human power.
- We should not wait for visible power, but use what we have to stand up for Jesus and trust in His strength.
- With God on our side, we can face any challenge with confidence and courage.